It turns out that some people will experience symptoms of postpartum depression without ever giving birth. A growing body of research has found that approximately 7 to 10 percent of new fathers report symptoms of depression following the birth of a child, compared to about 12 percent of new mothers. A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California has found a link between male postpartum depression and decreased testosterone levels. In addition, research has shown that while a man’s testosterone level may drop during his partner’s pregnancy, his levels of estrogen, prolactin and cortisol are more likely to increase.
And baby makes three:
Researchers don’t know why a man’s testosterone level changes during this time. Possibilities include increased stress and disrupted sleep. Some men even experience nausea and weight gain.
Low testosterone is known to cause lethargy in men, coupled with disinterest in normally pleasurable activities. Some psychiatrists prescribe testosterone supplements to treat depression.
But some experts argue that these symptoms should not be equated with the postpartum depression experienced by some new mothers. According to Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, “The process of birthing and the hormonal gymnastics that women experience is on a different planet.”